Yes, in order to come and study in Spain, you need to have a valid passport throughout the study period. Additionally, you will need to obtain a student visa for the fall and spring semesters. A student visa is unnecessary for the International Studies (CTSS), Jan Plan, and summer programs, because they are less than 90 days. If you are not an American citizen, you may need a student visa, thus we recommend that you contact the nearest Spanish consulate or Embassy.

To enroll in our programs, you must submit a copy of your passport with the Online Application Form, or send it to the Undergraduate Students Advisor before the application deadline.  Once you have been accepted to the selected program, you will receive an acceptance letter. You may use it to request your student visa at the Spanish consulate or Embassy, if you enroll in a program that lasts more than 90 days.

To enroll in content courses in Spanish, you need to have an intermediate level or have completed at least 3 semesters of Spanish at your home university. Some courses require that you have an advanced level of Spanish.

All our courses are equivalent to 3 US credits, or 45 hours of in-class instruction. Before submitting the online application, your academic advisor must approve the courses that you would like to ensure the transfer of credits.

Students can stay with host families or dorms in Alcalá de Henares, and you get three meals per day.

You are responsible for your own accommodation for the days that are not included in the program.

For most programs, Instituto Franklin-UAH offers a pick-up service from Adolfo Suárez Madrid Barajas International Airport for students who come to Spain. Only on the date and time set by Instituto Franklin-UAH and at the beginning of the program. You can contact the Undergraduate Student Advisor to find out if the program that you have selected offers this service (antonio.fernandezm@uah.es).

If you come on your own, public transportation or taxi are available from the airport to Alcalá de Henares. By taxi, it could take 25 minutes to get to the center of Alcalá de Henares.

You can stay in Spain legally until the expiration date of your visa or your legal time as a tourist. Should you wish to extend your studies with us, you will have to return to the US and apply for a visa extension or try to get one in Spain.

Students should always keep phone numbers, emails and addresses of host families, dorm´s reception, and onsite directors and contact them when necessary, as well as other numbers from the health insurance company and other emergency numbers given during orientation. The program includes private health insurance. Students will have access to certain private medical facilities in Spain. More information will be provided during the orientation at the beginning of the program in Alcalá.

In summer (June / July / August), temperatures are usually high (around 40 °C,104ºF) in Madrid, and in winter (December / January / February) temperatures can be very cold (about 5 degrees, 40ºF, or even 0 degrees, 32ºF even reaching temperatures below 0 sometimes). In fall (September / October / November) and spring (March / April / May), temperatures are warm (around 15 °C, 59ºF).

Voltage in Spain is 220 watts and outlets/plugs are different from the United States, so the use of an adapter will be required. You can bring an adapter from the United States, or buy it once you are in Spain.